Police release e-fits of alleged rapist

James Willoughby

Police investigating a rape which happened in Northumberland more than a decade ago have released two e-fits of the alleged attacker.

The incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, July 28, 2002, at around 11pm in the underpass of the A189 between North Seaton Road and South Side, in Ashington. The victim, now 46, reported the incident to police in October last year.

Police e-fit. How the alleged attacker would have looked in 2002.

Officers are continuing to carry out inquiries and are appealing for the public’s help to identify the attacker.

He is described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall, in his late 20s or early 30s, clean shaven, with black naturally curly or wavy hair with tight curls that was short at the back. He was of muscular build, with large biceps, and was wearing a sleeveless shirt at the time of the attack.

Detective Inspector Don Gibson said: “We’d ask people to take a look at the images and see if this fits a description of someone they know.

“The incident happened more than 10 years ago so it is likely the man has aged, so we have produced two e-fits – one of how it’s thought he looked at the time and one of how he may look now.

“The victim has had the courage to come forward and report this incident more than 10 years after it happened and we’re committed to making sure we trace the attacker and that he is apprehended for his crime, regardless of when it took place.”

Anyone who thinks they know the identity of the man should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 056921V/14 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.